Kokal’s final game will end an era

Older brother Mike was a two-year starter at QB for RedHawks.

Miami's Anthony Kokal (18) helps pull down Western Michigan running back Freddie Bishop (20), during Wednesday night's game at Yager Stadium Nov. 16, 2011, in Oxford, Ohio.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Miami's Anthony Kokal (18) helps pull down Western Michigan running back Freddie Bishop (20), during Wednesday night's game at Yager Stadium Nov. 16, 2011, in Oxford, Ohio.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 11:48 AM Monday, November 21, 2011

OXFORD — When senior safety Anthony Kokal steps off the turf at Ohio’s Peden Stadium on Tuesday, an era will end for Miami University football.

“My parents have been making their way down here for nine years,” the Warren native said. “It’s sad to see it come to an end, but it’s been great for me and my brother.”

First it was Mike Kokal, Anthony’s older brother, who joined the RedHawks his freshman season of 2003 (he was redshirted). He ultimately became Miami’s starting quarterback, throwing for 3,158 yards over his career.

Mike’s senior year in 2007 was Anthony’s freshman season. Anthony played in his first game the following year and, like his brother, will leave a mark with the program.

Kokal enters his final game as a Miami co-captain and the RedHawks’ leading tackler with 83 stops. He also has recorded five tackles for a loss, forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles and has an interception.

There have also been some great moments for Kokal.

Miami’s only victory in 2009 was sealed when he forced a Toledo fumble as the Rockets were about to score the game-winning touchdown in the final minute. Kokal’s interception with a minute to go at Kent State last year clinched another win.

“But the things that will really stick with me are the relationships I’ve been able to make, the love I have for this place and for these guys,” Kokal said, “Oh man, I’m like so close to a bunch of them.”

Kokal even appreciates the fact that last season he lost his starting job after having made the All-Mid-American Conference third team in 2009.

“It was one of the better experiences of my life,” he said. “Maybe I came into camp a little unprepared, thinking I had the job. And Pat Hinkel earned that job.

“At first it was disappointing, but obviously it was the right move because we won the MAC championship,” Kokal said, “And I still played a lot.”

Before the start of this season, Kokal and quarterback Zac Dysert were elected co-captains by a vote of their teammates.

“That’s just one of the things that are incredible,” Kokal said. “There are 100 guys on the team. To know that to have that much trust, it makes you accountable and it was so humbling.”